Global Academy surrenders its charter

Nashville Global Academy relinquished its charter late Wednesday, signaling the end of the troubled charter school after just one year in operation.

The school, situated off Brick Church Pike in Whites Creek, had been put on notice after Metro school officials learned the school had accrued a financial debt totaling at least, but perhaps more than $149,000. Prior to the financial blunder, the school had already found itself on probation following a transportation fiasco in the fall.

“We made this painful decision because the school is no longer able to provide students the education they deserve,” a statement from Nashville Global Academy’s board of directors read.

“Today’s decision was the only responsible course of action and is ultimately in the best interest of our students,” it continued. “We will work with our families and Metro school officials to ensure that all of our students face as little disruption as possible as they transition to new schools.”

Alan Coverstone, who oversees charter schools for Metro, had asked the board to surrender its charter a week ago. Receiving no response, Coverstone and board members had scheduled a special board meeting for Thursday to address the matter.

The school’s closure leaves 155 students looking for a new school. Coverstone has previously said parents of affected students would be contacted immediately and would be given their new school options during the week of July 6. Parents will have until through the end of July to make a decision.